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Fantasy Football: Top 10 players to sit for Week 13
By Genna Preston
When it comes to fantasy football, make sure to sit these top 10 players heading into Week 13 NFL action.
Nov 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) carries the ball against the Chicago Bears in a NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Week 13. The end of the season is among us and in some leagues this is your last week to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Your decisions this week when it comes to your fantasy football lineups could be what makes this season a success or failure.
Unfortunately, last week left us with some busts and some injuries that are leaving fantasy owners scrambling to fill lineup positions. Tony Romo is out, the New England Patriots have several injured players whose Week 13 fate is unknown, and Jimmy Graham is a no go.
Don’t panic! There are still plenty of options and chances to score big this week. However, to win big you have to play smart. How do you do that? Stick with me. Don’t start any of these top 10 players in Week 13 and you’ll do just fine!
Next: 10. This Saint lost his mojo
Nov 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints tackle Zach Strief (64) and quarterback Drew Brees (9) lie on the ground after Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) makes a sack during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
10. Drew Brees
Don’t boo me but Drew Brees has to go this week! Especially after last week when he didn’t even reach double-digit points in some leagues.
Brees is up against the undefeated Carolina Panthers this week. That alone should want you to sit this quarterback. He’s not the same player we’ve all known to expect to see as he’s definitely on the decline.
Carolina ranks 5th against opposing quarterbacks and allows the third fewest fantasy points to the position this season. If you have a back-up, use them! Brees is a sure dud in his Week 13 match-up.
Next: 9. This Raider hasn't ran more than 4 yards
Nov 29, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) falls forward for extra yards during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
9. Latavius Murray
Latavius Murray has been very wishy-washy this season. Although he is capable of earning double-digit points, he hasn’t earned a spot on a starting fantasy lineup.
Murray has not run more than four yards per carry in any of his last three games. Murray has also barely had two receptions in each of his last six games and his Week 13 match-up isn’t going to change this.
This week, Murray takes on the Oakland Raiders who rank 3rd against opposing running backs. If he can’t do it against a mediocre team, there is no way he’ll do it against the 3rd ranked team against his position. Play smart and sit Murray.
Next: 8. This Dolphin is a fish out of water
Nov 22, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee (50) and safety Barry Church (42) tackle Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Dolphins 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports
8. Lamar Miller
It has been a rough season for the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, Ryan Tannehill’s inconsistent quarterback capabilities leave it hard for players like Lamar Miller to consistently score big.
When Miami does show up, Jay Ajayi has benefited the most, not Miller. Especially since Miller is a free agent as of next season.
Week 13’s fate is another iffy one for Miller. Miami takes on the Baltimore Ravens who rank 7th against opposing running backs. Baltimore has allowed opposing backs only 5 touchdowns this season. With Mike Pouncey out, the Dolphins’ offensive line will struggle in Week 13. Don’t let Miller ruin your lineup.
Next: 7. Stay far away from this Colt
Nov 29, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) has his jersey grabbed by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman William Gholston (92) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
7. Frank Gore
If your coach doesn’t even believe in you, I can’t believe in you either! As stated by Dan Hanzus of NFL.com, Chuck Pagano said Frank Gore is, “beat to crap.”
Last week, Gore rushed 19 times for 24 yards. He caught 3-of-4 passes for 13 yards. Gore didn’t even come close to reaching double-digit points last week.
This week, Gore takes on the Pittsburgh Steelers who have allowed the 6th fewest rushing yards this season. With those statistics and Pagano’s personally feelings toward Gore, this week doesn’t look good.
Next: 6. There is no hope for this Redskin
Nov 15, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) carries the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
6. Alfred Morris
Alfred Morris was released from my team Week 9 when he received a lousy one point against the New England Patriots. Although, he should have been released much sooner since he has only earned double-digit points three times this season.
Morris has a Week 13 game against an iffy team in the Dallas Cowboys. Although Dallas has had a rough season, they tend to stop to opposing running backs.
Morris hasn’t had a touchdown all season. He may be able to earn a few points against an inconsistent team but with the fantasy playoffs insight, risky players should not be in your starting lineup. Trust me when I say that Morris is too much of a risk for Week 13.
Next: 5. This Charger should sit without question
Nov 29, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) runs the ball as Jacksonville Jaguars conerback Davon House (31) defends in the fourth quarter at EverBank Field. The Chargers won 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Jim Steve-USA TODAY Sports
5. Melvin Gordon
One good week does not mean Melvin Gordon is going to show up in Week 13. His double-digit points last week made it his fourth week to earn double-digit points this season.
Gordon came into the NFL a 2015 first-round draft pick and has great potential. But, this rookie needs a year before he scores big for fantasy owners.
Gordon’s Week 13 match-up against the Denver Broncos is going to be another bust for Gordon. He is projected less than nine fantasy points against Denver who tends to do well against opposing running backs. Don’t take a chance this week with Gordon.
Next: 4. This Eagle just hasn't been the same
Nov 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray (29) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Buccaneers defeated the Eagles, 45-17. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
4. DeMarco Murray
DeMarco Murray is the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to fantasy football. He was once such a household name and it’s a shame he’s so inconsistent.
Murray has gone three games without any touchdowns. Not to mention, Week 11 and 12 combined didn’t earn fantasy owners double-digit points.
He doesn’t have an easy match-up this week against the New England Patriots. Although New England has had issues stopping running backs in their last three games, Philadelphia is an unreliable team with Mark Sanchez as quarterback. Play it safe, bench Murray.
Next: 4. This Cowboy should have been dropped weeks ago
Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) blocks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
3. Jason Witten
If you haven’t already let Jason Witten go, now is the time to do it. Especially as he enters Week 13 without quarterback Tony Romo, who has landed a spot on the injured list yet again.
Witten hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 1, and with Matt Cassel on the loose, it doesn’t seem to be in his cards this week either. Witten hasn’t scored double-digit points in more than half of his weekly match-ups.
Dallas is preparing to play the Washington Redskins who have allowed only two tight ends to score touchdowns all year. Washington has also allowed only one tight end to score double-digit points this season. I know it’s hard, but Witten needs to go.
Next: 2. Who in the world is this 49er?
November 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) runs against Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
2. Vance McDonald
Vance McDonald has been the highlight of the waiver wire coming into Week 13. But, don’t be fooled by his Week 12 performance!
Prior to Week 12, McDonald has been a fantasy bust. He earned owners less than five fantasy points per game, and this week’s match-up doesn’t seem like it will mimic his Week 13 performance. Not to mention he plays for the unreliable San Francisco 49ers.
This week, McDonald matches up with the Chicago Bears. Chicago has been a good defensive team against opposing tight ends. There has only been one tight end this season to score double-digit points against Chicago. With this week being an important one to fantasy owners everywhere, McDonald should definitely stay on your bench.
Next: 1. Keep this Packer away from your starting lineup
Nov 26, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) attempts to catch a pass against the Chicago Bears during the second half for a NFL game on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field. The Bears defeat the Packers 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
1. James Jones
My No. 1 player to sit this week also appeared on this list in Week 12. If you didn’t listen to me last week about James Jones, shame on you! Jones received a strong zero points in Week’s 12’s loss to the Chicago Bears.
James caught 0-of-6 targets last week. Don’t be surprised, that was just a repeat of his zero catches in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions, and he meets them again in Week 13.
Next: Top 10 fantasy football players to start for Week 13
If that isn’t convincing enough, Detroit is ranked 18th against opposing wide receivers. This division match-up will offer a great game but, Jones doesn’t seem like he will have an impact. Say good-bye to Jones in Week 13.